Those familiar with Cassady Southern’s earlier work know her for her folksy roots songs and infectiously danceable pop tunes. However, her new single “What’s Going On?” sees the singer-songwriter venture into grittier rock territory. It’s a leap that catches the listener off-guard initially, but one listen makes it clear she’s completely at home in her new hard-hitting style.
A punky opening guitar riff demands you to focus in, underpinned by a tight rhythmic drive that never lets up. Cassady unleashes her most impassioned vocals over the top, conveying an authentic sense of angst and urgency. It’s easy to envision thousands of fans shouting the rousing chorus back to her at live shows. Within seconds the track establishes itself as an anthemic rocker perfectly built for call-and-response singalongs.
Cassady’s rawly emotive delivery brings her expertly crafted lyrics to piercing new heights on “What’s Going On?” You can feel her channeling real emotion into every word, elevating the track beyond just another catchy tune. It’s a tour de force performance that hints at Cassady pushing her artistry to brave new places overall.
While keeping her trademark lyrical flair, Cassady has expanded her musical horizons by branching out from folk and pop sounds. Embracing her rock instincts so fully allows new facets of her talent and charisma to shine brightly. The irresistible guitar riff and stellar vocals come together for an explosive rock song sure to get stuck repeating in your head. It’s easy to see why “What’s Going On?” will appeal massively to both her existing fan base and brand-new listeners.
Fans will no doubt be excited to see Cassady expanding creatively in a grittier musical direction on “What’s Going On?” Her rockier instincts have been there beneath the surface all along. Now she steps fully into a new spotlight with a single bound to turn heads nationwide. Those just discovering Cassady Southern through this track are in for a treasure trove of diverse, authentically emotive songs across multiple genres from her expansive back catalog. Be sure to check out the rest of her discography on streaming platforms and keep up with her online for more to come. NSW seems poised for a major new rock star, and Cassady Southern is leading the charge.
